The '70s: Viva la Cultural Revolution!

Dozens of great cultural organizations are celebrating 30th anniversaries in Hawaii. What was in the air when they were launched?

By E. Shan Correa

Published: 2007.11.01 12:00 AM

(page 4 of 4)

Of the HHF founders, Faulkner said, “They were far-sighted enough to not take things for granted. They wanted to enjoy the fruits of their own labors, but also to offer something to future generations.”

The HHF still preserves historic buildings, archaeological sites, objects and cultural traditions in Hawai‘i. Today, 25 trustees and more than 2,500 members and volunteers work to preserve Hawaii’s treasures. It has strong educational programs aimed at instilling “a preservation ethic” in Hawaii’s youngsters.

Much that is special about Hawaii today began with people banding together and working to make worthwhile things happen back in the ’70s. Groups rescued and restored buildings and cultural treasures, assured that Hawai‘i had access to rich art, music and dance of all types, fostered cultural pride, and introduced a more realistic view of Hawaii’s people and places to the world. All of this was accomplished during a decade remembered primarily for its self-absorption.

In a time when much about life in the Islands was changing, some people here found a way to build things that would last.

E. Shan Correa’s last piece for HONOLULU was about the Honolulu Symphony, in our October 2007 issue.